Hadith #8764

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon the final Messenger, Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

In this profound Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), he highlights the various levels of afflictions that humans may face. The Hadith begins by stating that

Indeed destitution is an affliction.

The word used for destitution in Arabic is (الفاقة) "al-faqa", which refers to a state of extreme poverty and neediness. It is a condition where a person lacks the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter, and clothing. This state of destitution is undoubtedly a great trial and hardship for individuals and communities.

To emphasize the severity of destitution, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) then states,

and worse than destitution is sickness of the body.

The word used for sickness in Arabic is (مَرَضُ) "marad", which refers to any physical ailment or disease. This includes both minor illnesses and serious medical conditions. Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) is highlighting that while destitution is indeed a great affliction, it is surpassed by the suffering and pain that comes with physical sickness.

Furthermore, Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

and worse than bodily ailment is the sickness of the heart.

Here, the word used for heart in Arabic is (قَلْبِ) "qalb", which refers to the spiritual and emotional center of a person. The sickness of the heart encompasses various spiritual ailments, such as arrogance, jealousy, greed, and hatred. It is a state of moral corruption and deviation from the path of righteousness.

To understand the beautiful message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:155),

And We will surely test you with something of fear and hunger and a loss of wealth and lives and fruits, but give good tidings to the patient.

This verse highlights that destitution, fear, and loss are inevitable tests that humans will face in their lives. It is a reminder that these trials are a means of purification and a test of patience.

In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:286), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) further emphasizes the importance of seeking His help and guidance in times of hardship. He says,

Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.

This verse reassures us that even in the face of destitution or physical illness, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) will not burden us beyond our capacity to endure. It is a reminder to turn to Him in times of difficulty and seek His mercy and assistance.

Moreover, the Quran also addresses the sickness of the heart. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:10), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) describes those who have a sickness in their hearts. He says,

In their hearts is disease, so Allah has increased their disease; and for them is a painful punishment because they [habitually] used to lie.

This verse warns against the spiritual ailments of hypocrisy and dishonesty, which corrupt the heart and lead to severe consequences.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a profound reminder for Muslims to reflect on the various afflictions they may face in life. It highlights the importance of recognizing the different levels of trials and hardships, and the need to address them with patience, perseverance, and reliance on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It also emphasizes the significance of purifying the heart from spiritual diseases and striving towards moral excellence.

In conclusion, this Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) provides deep insights into the nature of afflictions and the importance of addressing them at different levels. It encourages Muslims to seek solace in the Quranic teachings and to strive for both material and spiritual well-being. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength to face and overcome the trials of life, and may He purify our hearts from all spiritual ailments.